adminEverton player has come under fire for his conduct during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.
The Blues were comfortably beaten at the Emirates Stadium, with Ezri Konsa and Gabriel getting the goals.
Tarkowski was cautioned in the 79th minute, becoming the third Everton player booked in North London.
Vitalii Mykolenko and James Garner also received yellow cards as the Toffees desperately attempted to mount a comeback. The manner of Tarkowski’s booking has drawn criticism, with a former Premier League player condemning his behaviour.
Given his tendency to play on the edge, this comes as little surprise.
What was said about Everton star James Tarkowski?
Tarkowski clattered through the back of Kai Havertz and was correctly booked as his frustration got the better of him.
He caught the Arsenal player on the heel while also making contact with the ball, a challenge that was always going to result in a card. Former Blues winger turned pundit Pat Nevin criticised him following the incident during his commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live.
He said: “Absolutely reckless from Tarkowski.
“He’s a big, strong defender and that’s just the way he plays but you can’t go through the back of people.
“No argument, he actually walks across and apologises.”
The criticism is harsh, but given that the booking could prove costly for Tarkowski later in the season, it is justified.
How close is Tarkowski to a ban?
Tarkowski now has two bookings to his name, having been cautioned against Chelsea and again against the reigning champions.
The five-booking threshold, which triggers a one-match suspension, applies until the 19th match of the season.
That leaves him 11 matches to avoid picking up three more yellow cards, which does not bode particularly well for his prospects.
This is especially concerning given that he has received two bookings in his last two appearances, having previously gone six games without one.
The last thing Moyes’ side need is their captain unavailable for a match due to suspension.
He must stop collecting unnecessary cards if he is to avoid a ban in the near future, which would be hugely damaging to his team.
It is a troubling pattern that Moyes will be eager to eliminate in the coming matches, with Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury problems already causing issues at the heart of the defence.
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